This area has had a lot of rain, and with it, perfect conditions for root rot and fungal leaf spot on all types of plants. Maples have been the main concern in the area according to homeowners.

Maple trees are popular in home landscapes all over Georgia. You can find several varieties that do well in our area, including red maple, sugar maple, silver maple, and Japanese maple, but this season the weather has been optimal for fungal diseases.

Going green and being environmentally sound are becoming more and more a way of life for thousands of Americans. For some local residents, being environmentally responsible is as simple as composting.

Composting is a matter of taking unwanted items – paper, food scraps, grass clippings and the like – and turning them into a usable soil for the garden. While composting comes with its own set of instructions, it is a relatively easy way to turn something that is trash into a garden treasure – rich, organic soil.

EDITOR’S NOTE:A previous version of this article published on June 17 incorrectly spelled Teresa Haag’s name. The News-Times is republishing the article with corrected spellings. The News-Times regrets the error

Volunteer Teresa Haag has been making an impression on Vacation Bible School at Abilene Baptist Church in Martinez for 13 years.

When a pest problem reveals itself, the best way to handle it might not be a pesticide. Sometimes cultural practices or natural enemies of the pest can be an option. However, there are many instances where a pesticide is the only remedy. When this occurs, correctly identifying the pest and knowing the best time to treat for the pest will indicate the best product to use. When a pesticide needs to be used, it is mandatory to read the label. The label, when properly followed, provides protection for applicators, consumers, and the environment.

Attracting butterflies and bees to your yard is as simple as knowing what types of plants to include in your garden. Doing so is important to the pollination of plants and vegetables.

Local gardener Ginny Allen explains that “native pollen and nectar bearing plants are great. Butterflies need host plants for both caterpillar and butterfly stages. Plants are species-specific and you can get lists for plants for each species.”

He grew up two miles down the road from where we stood, so I knew his mama raised him right and told him not to wear his shades indoors.

With his dark sunglasses reflecting the image of his audience – eight travel writers roving the North Georgia mountains – he said, “A friend out in Los Angeles suggested I produce and distribute my granddaddy’s moonshine recipe.”

He was showing us around the Blairsville building where the on-site distillery for Grandaddy Mimms Moonshine will open operations in a few months.